Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" April 30, 2009

Performance Dates:
Thurs: April 30 @ 8pm
Fri, Sat: May 1, 2 @ 8pm
Sun: May 3 @ 2pm

Great Expectations

The orphan Pip lives with his sister and brother-in-law, the village blacksmith. Pip encounters an escaped convict whom he helps. Much later, young Pip is sent to entertain Miss Havisham, a wealthy old lady. She is a bitter woman who was jilted on her wedding day long ago. She still wears her wedding gown. Her adopted daughter, Estella, is beautiful, and Pip instantly falls in love with her. But Estella is cold and distant.

He longs to be a gentleman, not a blacksmith. One day he learns that an anonymous benefactor has left him an enormous sum of money. He moves to London, where he will be trained to act as a gentleman. A lawyer, Jaggers, will oversee his inheritance. Pip is certain his benefactor is Miss Havisham, and believes he is being trained as Estella’s future husband. He moves to London and is educated by Mr. Mathew Pocket and strikes a great friendship with his son, Herbert.

Through the rest of the story we encounter a broad range of characters who all contribute to Pip’s education, both worldly and moral. Pip is forced to make choices that limit his “great expectations” of wealth and position.

Charles Dickens Novel Adapted by: Barbara Field

Directed by: Ginger Drake

Official Website: http://westvalley.edu/fa/theatre/